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Chapter 05

Chapter 05
JET PUMP THEORY AND OPERATION

As oilfield reservoirs decline and hydrocarbon recovery becomes more difficult then varying
methods of recovery are introduced to lengthen the life of a field and maintain profitability.
With ever-declining pressures and subsequent increases in water production (% water cut)
oilfield operators are forced to consider other ways of lifting the heavier fluids from the sub-
surface when natural drives can no longer sustain production at economic rates.

United Energy Pakistan have considered several methods of fluid recovery and at present have
settled on the use of hydraulic jet pumps. These have proved to be reliable and economical
with hydrocarbon recovery showing a profitable increase so that they are running eight pumps
in the field, at this time.

1. GENERAL THEORY OF OPERATION

The mixing of two fluid streams achieves the total dynamic head required by the well.
Momentum is transferred from the very-high-velocity power fluid to the produced fluid causing
an energy rise in the flow stream. High pressure power fluid passes through a nozzle where its
potential energy (pressure) is converted to kinetic energy in the form of a very-high-velocity jet.
The nozzle is spaced back from the throat (mixing tube) where well fluid is entrained in the
power of fluid with its momentum transferred to the produced fluid (well fluid) causing an
energy rise in it. The mixed fluid enters a diffuser where by slowing it down the kinetic energy
is converted to sufficient static pressure to lift the fluid to surface.

The Downhole Pump Assembly:

This is a compact assembly having no moving parts which eliminates many of the normal
mechanical reasons for shortened pump life in other systems. The compact construction allows
use of select materials and finish of parts to extend its life in abrasive and corrosive well fluids.
Nozzles and throats are made of alloys or stainless steels (as in the case of U.T.P pumps) or if
necessary in severe conditions, premium materials such as tungsten carbide or ceramics can be
substituted.

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The active components of the pump consist of a nozzle, throat and a diffuser and the power
fluid can be either water or oil or even an emulsion of the two.

Surface Equipment:

This consists of two skid mounted units - a Vessel unit and a Power Cleaning Unit.

a. Power Cleaning Units

This includes a high pressure plunger pump and its prime mover to deliver power
fluid at the required rate and pressure and a pressure charged cyclone cleaning
system for the removal of entrained solids from the power fluid.

b. Vessel Unit

This is a separator which serves to achieve basic separation between the power
fluid and produced fluid, the latter being discharged into the flow line and the
former returned to the power system.

How the Jet Pump Works:

Theory of Operation, power fluid at high pressure (low velocity) is converted to a low pressure
(high velocity) jet by the nozzle. The pressure at the entrance of the throat becomes lower as
the power fluid rate is increased. When this pressure becomes lower than the pressure in the
suction passageway, fluid is drawn in from the well bore. The suction fluid becomes entrained
with the high velocity jet and the pumping action then begins. After mixing in the throat, the
combined power fluid and suction fluid is slowed down by the diffuser. Because the velocity is
reduced the pressure increases - rising to a value sufficient to lift the fluid to the surface.

i. Cavitation of a Jet Pump Throat

Nozzle diameter and pressure determines horsepower input. Nozzle/throat area ratio
determines performance of the jet pump. Within the throat, pressure must stay above
water vapour pressure to prevent throat cavitation damage. The cavitation point is also
a choked flow point and is a limit on the production obtainable at a given pump intake
pressure.
The pressure history of the produced fluid as it enters and travels through the working
sections of a jet pump. Note that the pressure drops below pump intake pressure as

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produced fluids accelerate into the throat mixing zone. Cavitation damage is due to
collapse (implosion) of liquid vapour bubbles on the throat surface; as pressure builds
up in the throat. It eventually can destroy a section of the throat, causing the jet pump
performance to deteriorate.
Change to the throat surface area, due to producing a well in the cavitation range, for a
given nozzle/throat area ratio. The resulting vapour bubbles that are formed are
recompressed to a point of implosion causing shock waves which eventually erode the
throat surface area. Due to the non-conforming geometry of a cavitated throat, severe
efficiency loss results.

The following general rules apply if Operating Pressure and Power Fluid Rate are held constant;

a. A smaller ratio will provide more net lift than a large one, but at a lower
production volume rate.
b. A larger ratio allows more production (water, oil and gas) to enter the pump, but
requires higher pressure at the pump intake.
c. A jet requires 20% to 30% submergence for optimum performance.

Operating pressure is not directly related to, but changes with, jet discharge pressure.
Changing discharge pressure is caused by variations in return column weight and friction,
and in flow line pressure.
If a well is borderline between two ratios: the small ratio MAY yield the same production
rate at a lower operating pressure and/or power fluid rate.

ii. Jet Performance Monitoring

It is very useful to monitor jet performance on a continuing basis using a graph of


Operating Pressure, Power Fluid Rate and Production versus Time. Use only actual well
test data for this as daily production rates may not be accurate on a per well basis.

This information can tell you when a well has stabilised, or when it is still pumping down
toward stabilisation. If the formation is changing and influencing production or if the
pump is malfunctioning, etc.

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